davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
THE BUSSEY BRIDGE DISASTER.

The report Of the Massachusetts, Board Of
Railroad Commissioners upon the Boston and
Providence Railroad disaster at the Bussey
Bridge is a strong condemnation Of the cor
poration, though the concluding recommenda-
tons hardly fit in with the findings of the
inquest. According to the evidence the fall
Of the Bussey Bridge was the result of cum
ulative neglect and incompetence. and deserves
rather to be designated as crime than an &C
cidens. 1t is shown that the railroad company
gave the contract for the bridge to man of
whose competence nothing was known; that
ono Of tho trusses was made under inefficient
superintendent that the designs and the
execution wero alike faulty that the parts upon
which the heaviest strain must come were
made after the least expert fashion. of inferior
metal and by improper processes that these
vital parts were so covered up as to be in
visible to the bridge inspector; that the latter
really never made an effective inspection that
consequently the bridge mnst have been In q
dangerous condition long before 1t fell In
addition 1t Is found that the brake system on
tho train which fell through was unsatisfactory.
that the statutory number of hsskemen was
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

not employed. and that the ear-stoves merely
aggravated the catastrophe by confiagratlon
Beyond all this it is shown that the Bussey
Bridge had been suspected Of weakness for
some time. and that the company had been
warned about it, but had done nothing The
testimony of tho assistant superintendent Of
the road, whose duty it was TO examine the
bridges, went far to demonstrating his unftness
for that function, for his examination appears
to have been systematically perfunctory, and
it was developed that he did not even under
stand the construction Of the bridge, and was
therefore not in condition to see to the sound
ness Of its vital parts even had they been aces
sible In fact from first to last from the great
est things to tho least, the corporation stands
convicted Of gross negligence and cupable
indifference both TO its own responsibilities and
tho safety of the public. It's perfecly clear
that no genuine inspection Of the Busscy Bridge
was possible which would not have resulted in
its condemnation. 1t is possible that the
hangers whose giving way altogether let the
bridge down were more than half fractured
wears ago. Had any effort been made to assure
the security Of the structure its glazing defects
must have been observed but those upon
whom everything depended shirked their duty.
or wcrc incompetent 10 perceive what would
have been plain warnings to capable officials
In recommending that the law hereafter
require thorough inspections of all railroad
bridges at least once in two years, the Com
missioners cannot be regarded as bearing too
hard upon the corporations. Indeed, the
period named seems quite inadequate to the
demands of public security. All manner OF
accidents may happen in two years to the best
of bridges An inspection every six months
would be something like n guarantee for safe
travel. though even then constant supervision
would be none the less necessary. III.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
PERSONAL.

In the collection of Leo Lippmannsohn, the great
German autograph -gatherer, may be a manuscript
opera by the Austrian Emperor Ferdinand ILL.,; the
original of Albert Lortzngs unpublished operetta
Mozart" consisting of an overture and nine vocal
numbers, with orchestral accompaniment; chatty
letter written by Leopold Mozart to intimate friend
and full Of "Meiste Woferls" exploits+Woferl was
the great composers pet name by which his father
usually designated him in familiar correspondence
and several manuscript letters and emanating
from the pen Of the late Richard Wagner one of
the letters, addressed TO his body-servant, Franz
Maschek, Is q humorous composition which Wagner
wound up by exhorting Maschek to prove, In the eX-
ecution Of certain commissions entrusted 10 him, that
tTuc,born Valet Thu S Rssiyo t the Composer Of
the Tetralogy signed Your most obedient master,
Richard wagner"
Ii IA regarded "a strange that both the Queen Of
Hawaii and the Heir-Apparent should absent them
selves from the Kingdom at the time II the
King should die during their absence the realm would
bo without an Official head
Governor Beaver, Of Pennsylvania draws a pension
OF as month f0I the loss Of a leg in the war; and
serupuously dcvotes every cent Of 1t to charity.
According to the Arabian organ, "Fars," the pres
ent disturbances in Afghanisan have turned many eyes
toward Ayoub Khan. who is st at Teheran and 1t l.
expected that no will come forward again
claimant for tho governOrship Of Herat, not Of all
AShanlstan.
Among tho treasures which the Hon. Elihu B.
washburne desires 10 give 20 tho city Of Chicago
rs llfe-szed pictures Of Emperor william and Bis
marck, which they, In recognition Of his humane
activity presented TO him with their hands; pct-
ures Of Theirs, Gambetta, Lord Lyons, Benjamin
Franklin and his portrait, all the work OF cele-
brated painters. In addition he has many memen-
tos Of tho siege and the domination Of the Commune
Paris such manuscripts public documents, tho
autographs OF many OF the most celebrated pei 5onages
Of Europe and America placanls ana proclamation
posters Of the Commune, photographs or many celeb
rites. and silver service valued at 80 OOO presented
To him In Paris.
a truly regal present was sent by the King of Port
ugal to tho German Emperor, which Is worth all the
other royal birthday gifts put together 1t Is
sword OF homo r, with blade specially made at the
Lisbon Arsenal, and exquisitely chiselled The HIT
is Of solid gold encrusted in every part with diamonds
spphres rlbies and emeralts. These were set after
u design supplied by the Queen.
Ex-Governor CASTOR Of Massachusetts, has engaged
reidcnce at swampscOtt for the coming summer
During their recent visit TO Athens Rear-Admiral
and Mn. Franklin. captain Dewey and other officers
Of tho United States Flagship Pensacola were hand
somcly entertained by the King and Queen Of Greece
At dinner at the royal palace Rear ADMIRAL Franklin
sat at the left of Queen and Mrs. Franklin at
the left Of the King. Aftorward the entire royal
family visited the Pensacola u most INFORMAL ana
friendly manner.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
CITY LICENSE AND STATE TAX.

An attempt is being made, in the interest OF
the rumsellers, to prejudice New " rlz against
the yedder BILL by falsely representing that
the measure involves the taking from the city
Of some part Of her present revenue and the
consequent increase of taxation This attempt
is based upon distortion and suppression Of the
facts. In the first place it must be understood
that the tax levied under the Vedder bill is
not substitute for but an addition to the
license fee now exaeted under the Excise law
of the State. All the revenue derived from the
saloons at present which is the proceeds of
the license fees will remain to New York and
Brooklyn if the Yedder bill becomes law In
addition to this revenue the two cities will
have their proportion of the State tax pro
portion which, on reasonable estimate of the
number of saloons remaining open, will go far
toward furnishing the entire amount required
for the maintenance of the Charities and Cor
rection Department.
That the Vedder bill will tighten the burden
of taxation throughout the State is incon-
testable 1t will certainly diminish the tax
rate of New York and Brooklyn. And though
the impost levied by it is not equal to that
which the Crosby bill provided for, it Is evil
dent that tax of 800 added to license fee
of 5000 constitutes in effect High License
The license to-day in New York is 5000; the
Vedder tax will raise it to 5000; of that sum
the whole of the first third goes into the city
treasury, and large proportion of the other
two-thirds. In view of these facts it is, of
course preposterous for any one to pretend
that. the passage of the Vcdder bill would in
iurc New York, and still more absurd TO assert
that it would increase local taxation. Every
dollar of the tax paid under it must necessarily
go to tighten the general burden of taxation.
and every dollar coming to New York out of
ii must necessarily diminish the local taxes to
that extent The city has in fact nothing but
benefit to anticipate from it. 1t will operate
to diminish the number of saloons, and thus
tend to purify politics as well as morals. II
will open up new source of revenue. and thus
relieve the present city taxpayers. All this is
clear as day, but those who are engaged in sup
plying Governor Hill with pretexts for yetoing
the bin know very well that if they confined
themselves to the truth they could not fulfil
their contract and so they misrepresent the
situation SYSTEMATICALLY
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
New1lork DAILY Gribm,ts
FOUNDED BY HORACE GREELEY.
MONDAY. MAY 2, 1887.
THE NEWS THIS MORNING.

FoREIGY-Blockade at Massowah. - William
OBrien sails for New-York. - Lord Duferins
tenants. - Accounts of the Colonial Exh'-
bition. - Immigrants hocking to America. -
statue of Victor Emmanuel - Eastern out
let of the Canadian Pacific Railway. - NJ.
Schnaebeles az his home.
DoMEsTIc.-Hail in Minnesota and snow in Utah
- Lecture by Edward Atkinson to working
mon in Boston. - Arrest of baggageman in
Buffalo for robbing mail pouches - Bald Knob
ruffians in Missouri indicted for perjury. g
Three persons drowned at Cargill Falls - Re-
tirement of Chancellor Runyon in New-Jersey.
- Rise in the price of coal in Pennsylvania.
- Suicide of Charles Oswald IN Pennsylvania
after the murder OF his daughter.
CITY AND SUBURBAN.-The Sunday excise law
rigidly enforced. e. DR.. McGlynn and Henry
George spoke to a big meeting about abollshing
poverty - Theatrical troups of Messrs, Pal
mer and Daily left town. g. Sermons in mauy
pulplts. Appeals made for the Church Build
ing Commission. John Most to publish n
book about Blackwelps Island
The Observation-Disclosures for to-day: Slight
Iywarmer and fair, followed by light rain. Tenn
prature yesterday: Highest, 75o. lowest. 49'; av-
erage, CLIP.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
THE AGA DENY OF MEDICINE TO BUILD

Tho members of tho Academy OF Medicine are cons
siderng the project Of securing new building and
committee Of which Dr. Abraham jacob president OF
the Academy is member, is looking for suitable
site. 1t is expected that the land and building will
cost about S250ooo. The present quarters Of tho
Academy No. u West Thirty-hrstst, is four
story structure that Is valued with the site at
5s5, 900. In the building fund them is 100000
toward tho new Academy. Celia Hosack bequeathed
to this fund 10000 which recently paid 10 tho
society and q check fer $40 900 given last octo-
Der by Mrs. Anna Woerisboffer In compliance with
tho request OF her husband
All OF tho present building is used by the Academy.
On the fourth floor there Is library OF $4,000 v0l-
ing the principal medical publications of Europe and
America The Academy originally met In a building
in Wooster-st In 15A7. Tho building now IN use was
dedicated in 1870.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

many people listened carefully to the speeches
of Henry George and DIR. McGlynn. Yet 1t is
to be feared that the more intelligent auditors
present were somewhat disappointed AS
win be seen by the report of The meeting else
where in this paper, the orators could give no
anti-poverty recipe of demonstrated value. 1t
was the old. old theory, that the naturalization
of the land would be a sure cure
for all evils-but it was the theory
only. 1t is possible. therefore, that
although it has an excellent title, the
Anti-Poverty Society might work for its object
just as successfully if it had chosen pane less
misleading Property, for instance.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
Curious FORK IN THE CUSTOM HOUSE

CURIOUS FORK IN THE CUSTOM HOUSE
The estrangcment between Collector Magonc
and Surveyor Beattie is serving to bring out
somo important facts concerning the adminIstra-
ton of the Custom House. SO far rs the Sur
veyor is concerned. he apparently docs not seek
to belle his reputation as spokesman lie
does not pretend to be any more OF Civil Ser
vice rcformcr now than when, by the aid OF
Hubert o. Thompson, he drew pay from two de
partments of the city government at the same
time. lie went into the Custom House to turn
Republicans out. and he has done his best to
accomplish that end, regardless Of Civil Ser
vice theories regulations. How well he has
succeeded is shown in the fact that about slXty
inspectors have been removed and their places
filed with Democrats of Mr. Beauties faction
There seems TO be no trouble in getting the
Civil Service machinery in the Custom House
to work so that Republicans 60 out and par
ticular kind of Democrats come in every time.
As to the employment of labOrers in the Sur
veyors Department, the facts speak for them
selves, as given elsewhere in The TRIBUNE to-
day. An increase of SS3SS in the monthly
pay roll for this purpose as compared with
twelve months ago does not look much like
reform.
From Collector Magone better things were
promised. OF course before his appointment
as Collector he was known only as skilful
Democratic politician who made combinations
in State Conventions and elsewhere in the in
tercst Of the anti Tammany Democrats. But
he came to the Office of Collector vOuched for as
genuine Civil Service refoimcr. who was to re-
deem the Custom House from the odium which
Heddcn had brought upon it. What do we find
by cuIsory examination of the booksi
Three confidential clerks and deputy collec
tors" at 5000 each, one expert at
81, 200, three at 81 GOO each, and nine at
$l,40O each. These are new places created
since Mr. Magone came in and filed without
reference to the Civil Service law. There
has been an increase of $3.50, 100 in the month
~ pay-rolls, and an increase of 107 in the num-
Der of employees, as compared with year ago.
7 he number of messengers who do not have
10 pass Civil Service examinations. for in
stance, has been increased in n year from 81
TO II. 1t looks rs though the people made
bad bargain when they exchanged Holden
for Magone.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
HE'D TO S.aTTSFH.
WANTS "GooD WORKING DENIAL"

FT0M TIC
The Tess publication OF Father McClynns statement
concerning efforts OF the Roman Catholic hierarchy
in 1854 tomake Mr. James 9. Blaine Presi-
Iess discussion some little excitement. and
siderable embarrassment In political circles. The
iabored and painfully unsatisfactory Efforts OF TIL
YORK TRIBUNE TO procure some sort OF denial OF the
authenticity OF the Interview with Father MoGynD
show that Mr. Rlanes friends alive 70 the signii
canoe and certain effect OF the revelation But good
working denial is hard 10 get
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH THISf
Dr. McGtyRns orn Statement In Writing
The Tiniess interview OF Wednesday morning
tained many statements not only unauthorized but
posterous and untrue DR. McGynn feels shat he must
decline hereafter TO DO held responsible fer statements
attributed TO him which not supported BY his sigma
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
MUSIC -1HE DRAMA.
MIME ,sCAI on AT THE CASINO

MME.sSCALCHI AT THE CASINO.
Mr.. Abbey's singers. headed by Madame scachi az
peared at the Casino last night and the public hocked TO
the concert till the house crowded Tho enthusiasm
great the discrimination Ittle and by the
time that all the demands for more had
been complied with the programme had almost
doubled its original dimensions. Madame
Scalchi the recipient Of boiserous honors
and sang with wholehear earnestness which test
fed the generosity OF her nature and showed that when
1t 70 deghtng her listeners IL all one TO her
whether the occasion was Sunday evening concert
an operate representation.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
WHY HAVE TREY CHANGEDf

THEY HAVE SEEN GREAT LIGHr-THE DEMO-
CRATIC PARTY CAN'T STAND SO MUCH TEMPER
ANck.
From me gs,o. York star tclersiand oTgda)
The Star stood alone among the newspapers OF this city
In opposing the Crosby bill But great many OF them
are against the vedder bill. The Sun, me b0rss' INC
telegram, and even tho moongazing kse'"g row. s'0
And vet the vedder bill Is mild dose In comparison
with the Crosby bill The former merely lays heauer
tax upon New-Yorkers than upon INC JUICE " "'
state. ....u.. ,.aa. an act n
tnnocent An All other parts Of the Commonwealth Y
thus q liberty s great as any Sss soss
wno wonId mot take up arms against SUCH law wouio
submit TO every k1nd OF oppression .....
a,tnSirg cvu and "ths respectable eiasses and ~
srards Miks and JAKE" without aoons0ouAness ~
the wrong II was aiding and abctunes
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

The contest for the Mayoralty in Montgomery
Ala, takes on new interest since Mr.. Jefferson
Davis has declared in favor of the present in
cumbent This support is probably due to
Mayor Recse's management Of the recent dem
onstratOn in his city in honor of the late chief
of the Confederacy. From the Mayors point
of view. Mr. Davis's letter is only fair repay
ment. 1t remains to be seen whether 1T was a
wise move to obtain it. In the New South,
of whose loyalty we have heard so much of
late. the recommendation of Jefferson Davis
ought not to have the same value as in the
Old South of dislOyalty and rebellion.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
amusernenis.
Hyou orKRA Demonstrations

8syou OrERA HoUsE-e-Adonls
CkeMo-S-ErmlneL
EpxN MUsEE-Ajeeb-Munczi La5oA
GRAND OPERA HoUsE-S-Rip Van Winkls
HARneAxs PARK THEATRE-S-The Gypsy Baron
MADISON AVE AND 59THsr.-Day and Eventng-Merrf
mac and Monitor Panorama
NIBIos @ ARDEs-S-RienzL
STANDARD THEATRE-S-A Trip to Africa
MADISON SQUARE THEATRE-s:3o-Our Society.
eTAR THEATRE-8-The snaughraun.
THAIIA-S-Prlnce Waldmeister.
THEATRE coMouE-S-Templeton Opera Company
wAILAcK's-S-Oh Heads and Young Hearts
6rH-AvESUR THEATRK-S-Lady Clancarty.
14rrIsT. THEATRE-9-Denman Thompson
72e and 73O BRoADwAY-Old London Street.
23D-sT TABERSAcLE near 6thave-Chrst Before Plate
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

room, to be known az "Tho Moifat Library The
far-reaching benefit Of such Q gift IL would be
difficult TO ovcrestimate In his eloquent address
at its dedication the Hon. James @. Graham. OF
Newbng, well characterized it as "a daily bene-
diction.' 1t is understood that Mr. Moffat's mon
ument Is not protected by patent Other sons
Of New-Yori1 who have gone west can feel ut
perfect liberty to do well by their own native
places as he has done by washingtonville
The poets and other writers of fiction who long
ago described in glowing terms the pleasures Of
May Day in Merry England have much to answer
for. Raised to enthusiasm by the thoughts Of
May poles and dangling wreaths Of flowers, and
not allowing for the difference of climate, English
speaking people in America for Yeas have tried
to make the first of this month the beginning of
outdoor excursions and picncs. Trailing arbutus
is generally the professed object in view; the
result too often is few May blossoms, but numerous
colds bordering closely upon pneumonia. The
father of family who forbids all May Day per-
formances until the first of June is q wise man
and Will save money in doctors bills.
If the penitentiary on Blaclkwells Island is as
unpleasant place John Most says it is, then it
was Just the place for John Most.
"1he Louisville Courier-Journal' does not like
tho tone Of the comments of the Republican press
on the occasion of the unwilling of the statue to
Calhoun. 1t asserts that the average Republican
writer seems incapable of taking any view of
anything except through the bunghoe of u hoes
head Of malice" We judge from this that on the
occasion Of the unyeling of q monument TO the
average Republican editor the comments of "Tbe
Courier-Journal" will not be couched in terms OF
ELUSIVE compliment. But speaking of hogsheads,
one thing Is to be noted-the average Democratic
editor out in Kentucky does not use them as re-
ceptacles for malice. We win leave it to the
Of mash whisl1eys if he does.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

The evidence so far shows that the relations OF
Nevins to the Brooklyn Common Council were not
unlike those which Sharp sustained DO the New
York Board Of Aldermen. Only Nevins was
public official. while Sharp has never been more
than private citizen.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

that thc Brooklyn Investigation ulu nOO ainOune W
anything.
Business men and capitalists Of the Southern
States have recently given considerable attention
to the subject Of steamship communication between
New-Orleans and Central and South America,
especially looking to the development OF trade
with Venezuela. AS there is a regular steamship
line between New-YorlI and Venezuela, the mer-
chants Of this city have been spurred by the
interest aroused in the South TO look 10 and IN
crease their own trade. To do this agents must
he sent there who speak the language of the
country, and the more languages they speak the
better. Especially is it necessary TO be able DO
speak both Spanish and Portuguese II they cannot
do this bhey might better stay at home. They
must find out what the people want and get 1t for
them NJ cheap as cheaper than, any one else can
do 10 Venezuela Is one OF the finest countries III
the world. and anything from hairpin up To
locomotive can be sold there.
The fact that Judge Barrett Is likely TO preside
at the Sharp trial will be cause for hearty salts
faction on the part Of all who desire fair and
well-conducred trial OF this most important case.
good many men now living In atfuence
in the West who were bonn and brought up In
this State. Doubtless most Of them retain warm
place in their hearts for their birthplace, but not
so many of the number pay the appropriate tangi-
BILE tribute to old times and the old homes which
David III. Moffat, OF Denver has just paid. Mr..
Mofat was born in tho pretty little village OF
Washingtonville Orange County and he's erected
ronument to himself on the site of the Mofiat
homestead. The monument has not been given
the shape of stored urn or animated bust. II Is
q much more sensible monument. Mr. Mofat has
given the village public hall, library and reading
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02

The selection of new rifle for the National
Guard of the State is matter that will require
careful consideration. 1t would be good thing
If our militiamen and the soldiers in the Regu-
lar Army could be provided with the same
weapon but the Government pursues most
conservative policy in. arming its troops with
Springfield rifles instead of magazine guns.
No such policy need be followed in this State
desirable as uniformity in arms certainly Is.
Let the best rife made be selected and then If
New York troops surpass the Federal Army in
equipment, we'll New York can stand it if the
Government at Washington can. The Adju
Eant Generals views. as expressed in THE
TR1pUxE's Albany letter this morning. Indicate
the right drift in official opinion.